AT A GLANCE

In this five-week, project-based course taught by Darden Professor Jeanne Liedtka, internationally recognized leader in design thinking, you'll lay the groundwork for great ideas, strengthen your innovation mindset and learn research techniques that jumpstart your team's potential for new and inspired ideas. Expect to focus 5-8 hours per week on coursework.

Excellent program providing good introduction to design thinking methodology, required mindset and tools. Practical, pragmatic approach and real-life examples, not just "theory." Very engaged and supportive mentors.

Marco Fasani, Market Manager, Formenti e Giovenzana Spa

This course gives managers the right tools and mindset to start tackling problems with a different approach. I will continue developing my design thinking knowledge, applying what I learn in my business and daily job issues.

Jairo Berbeo, Regional Manager, Sales, P&G

COURSE OVERVIEW

Creative solutions for the future begin with thoughtful insights into the present. This introduction to the design thinking process asks you to identify a human-centered problem to solve and begin as designers do - with the here-and-now needs, desires and behaviors of those who need innovation the most.

You'll craft and carry out a research plan that answers the question "What is?" and follow a guided process of gathering and identifying important insights about the needs and wants of others. You'll use this information to identify the attributes of an ideal solution and hear stories of design thinking at work to inspire ideas for moving your organization forward.

ACCELERATE YOUR SKILLS

Approach real-world problems from the point of view of your target audience, no matter how different your perspectives typically are

Discover the business and social challenges most likely to yield fruitful ideas

Develop an action plan for research and gather feedback for your unique challenges

Identify important insights into the needs and wants of others using human-centered and customer-centric tools like journey mapping

For the course to be completely successful, participants should maintain respectful communication with the faculty and fellow participants and comply with all applicable rules, instructions, requirements and terms of service.

A deeper understanding of how exactly to identify, map out and research business and social situations

Stronger creative muscles to help you solve work and life challenges

PARTICIPANTS

Designed for managers who want to explore the principles of design thinking and how a human-centered approach to innovation can transform their organization, this course will benefit organizational leaders from the public and private sectors, including those in finance, engineering, technology and administration, as well as healthcare, education and social nonprofit causes.

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